Erythronium dens-canis

Erythroniums (dog's tooth violet) are beautiful plants, and are easy to grow provided they're given the moist soil and shady woodland conditions they're used to in the wild. The English name reflects the shape of the bulb, which is said to resemble a dog's tooth.

The recurved petals of their blooms resemble small Turk's-cap lilies. The bulbous plants develop young offsets freely and sometimes underground runners, so they build steadily into impressive clumps that are best left undisturbed.

Erythronium dens-canis bears nodding, violet, swept-back petals resembling small shooting stars. It's perfect for growing at the front of a shady border and can also be grown through thin grass. For best results grow Erythronium dens-canis in moist soil in a shady spot, and mulch annually with leaf mould.